Allocution by Lakshmikant

  Tantra, unveiling esoteric mysteries T antra, a Sanskrit word meaning "loom" or "weave," refers to a complex and multifaceted system of spiritual practices, rituals, and philosophies that originated in ancient India. At its core, Tantra aims to liberate the individual from the limitations of the material world and unite them with the ultimate reality. One of the key aspects of Tantra is the performance of ritualistic worship practices, which are designed to awaken the dormant energies within the practitioner and facilitate spiritual growth. Origins of Tantra: It's shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have emerged in the early centuries of the Common Era, particularly in the eastern regions of India. Tantra drew upon various sources, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and local folk traditions, to create a unique and distinctive system of spiritual practices. Tantrik ritualistic worship: Ritualistic worship practices that lie at the heart of Tantra. Key elemen...

  Role of Agamas in Shrines Vastu and Worship A gamas are a collection of ancient Hindu scriptures that provide guidelines for the construction of Shrines, the performance of rituals, and the worship of deities. These scriptures play a vital role in shaping the spiritual and cultural practices of Hinduism. Shrines are considered sacred spaces where devotees can connect with the divine. The construction of Shrines is a complex process that requires careful planning and adherence to traditional guidelines. Agamas provide detailed instructions on various aspects of temple construction, including site selection, design, layout, and architecture. For instance, the Vaikhanasa Agama provides guidelines on the construction of Vaishnavite temples, emphasizing the importance of aligning the temple with the cardinal directions and incorporating specific architectural features. Agamas also play a crucial role in routine worships, rituals and ceremonies performed in temples. That apart, these s...

  Pancha Sheela (Five Precepts) I t's the fundamental ethical code in Buddhism, serving as a moral guideline for both laypeople and monastics. It emphasizes abstaining from harmful actions that can lead to suffering for oneself and others. The Five Precepts are: Abstention from killing: This includes refraining from taking the life of any living being, whether human or animal. It extends to avoiding violence in thought, word, and deed. Abstention from stealing: This involves refraining from taking what is not given, whether it's material possessions or intangible things like ideas. It promotes honesty and integrity. Abstention  from sexual misconduct : This includes avoiding sexual activity outside of a committed relationship and engaging in sexual activity that harms oneself or others. It promotes respect, consent, and healthy relationships. Abstention  from false speech : This involves refraining from lying, gossiping, and using harsh or hurtful language. It promotes tr...

  Maya = Tricks played by mind T his in my opinion is the most fascinating subject and if understood properly is the key to living an uncomplicated life. Shankara, writing a foreword to his commentaries on brahma sutras (rearranged knowledge from all upanishads in the form of aphorisms), also called adhyasa bhashya uses the highly debated doctrine of maya. Put simply, this is pure mind science which helps in cultivation of mind. Possible that the same arguments are in Buddhism also. Allama prabhu, of lingayat sect, also has a vachana on this which says Maya is nothing but mind.Difference between human mind and minds of other sentient beings is the extraordinary quality of emotions. Without human emotions there will be no human stories, no religion, no scriptures, no culture, no literature, no art. These emotions vary from person to person; cultures and religions play very dominant role. Though upanishads are about exploring one's own mind to understand reality of self according to ...

  Aparigraha: The Path of Non-Possession A parigraha, one of the five yamas or ethical restraints in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, translates to non-possessiveness or non-attachment. It is a profound concept that encourages individuals to relinquish the desire for material possessions and cultivate a sense of contentment and detachment. By practicing aparigraha, one can liberate himself from the chains of greed, envy, and the constant pursuit of more. In a world driven by consumerism and materialism, aparigraha offers a refreshing perspective. It invites us to question the true nature of happiness and to recognize that lasting fulfillment does not stem from external possessions. Instead, it lies within our hearts and minds. By letting go of the need to accumulate wealth and status, we can experience a profound sense of freedom and peace. Aparigraha is not about asceticism or self-denial. It is about making conscious choices and prioritizing experiences over material possessions. It invo...

  Brahman and Ishvara T hey're the two key concepts in Hindu philosophy, often intertwined yet distinct in their nature. Brahman, the Abs​olute Reality​: Brahman represents the ultimate, infinite, and formless reality that underlies all existence. Transcendent and Immanent : It is both beyond the universe (transcendent) and within everything (immanent). Without Attributes : Brahman is often described as "nirguna," meaning it lacks any qualities or attributes. The Goal of Spiritual Pursuit : The ultimate goal of many Hindu spiritual paths is to realize one's identity with Brahman, often referred to as "moksha" or liberation. Ishvara, Personal God : Ishvara is a personal, anthropomorphic manifestation of Brahman. Creator, Preserver and Destroyer: Ishvara is often associated with the roles of creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe. With Attributes: Ishvara is described as "saguna," meaning it possesses attributes like love, compass...

  PATANJALI YOGA I t is a Brahmacharya discipline and not a philosophy; but it can also be considered as summary of the Indian way of living.This is a part of Samkhya philosophy. This prescribes a method to attain Samadhi, a thoughtless state (a serene and peaceful state). Repeatedly if a practitioner enters Samadhi, he is likely to see light in the form of a bimba or reflection of Atman, prevails experiencing Atman itself, and attains Kaivalya, Freedom or Liberation.Patanjali Yoga prescribes following and practicing Yamas (virtues) viz. Ahimsa (non-injury), Satya (non-lying, being truthful), Asteya (non- stealing), Aparigraha (non-collection of wealth beyond what is necessary), and Brahmacharya (Celibacy or no to sexual mis-conduct). These are the ethical part of life. Without ethics or morality, a practitioner is considered unfit to practice Yoga or spirituality. Adoption of these will raise Consciousness (Atman) to a higher level.Its practice consists of pranayama (breathing exc...